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METHODS OF STERILIZATION
There are four sterilization methods used in medical and dental offices:
Each of these methods, when used properly, will achieve sterilization. Effective sterilization is depen-
dent upon the ability of the sterilant (e.g., saturated steam, heat or gas) to have direct contact with all
surfaces of the device or product being sterilized, for a specified time at a set temperature. Proper tech-
niques in cleaning, preparation, packaging, and placement of supplies in the sterilizer chamber are
critical for successful sterilant contact.
Steam sterilization
Moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure is the sterilant used in the steam sterilizer
(autoclave). Steam sterilization is the least time consuming, and the preferred, method of sterilization
for heat and moisture stable medical devices. In steam sterilization it is important that the ambient air in
the chamber and contents be completely removed at the beginning of the cycle so that the saturated
steam can have direct contact with the items being sterilized. There are three main types of steam steril-
ization cycles: gravity, pre-vacuum, and flash.
In the gravity cycle, air is displaced by steam entering the chamber. In the pre-vacuum cycle, air is
removed very quickly by mechanical means. The flash cycle is for quickly sterilizing unwrapped medical
devices that are to be used immediately after sterilization. The flash cycle can use either gravity or pre-
vacuum air removal. Flash sterilization is intended only for emergencies where an instrument is needed
immediately (e.g. dropped instrument). It is not intended as a primary method of sterilization.
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